Forklift Driver Competency Review
Practical assessment of forklift operator competency and site authorisation
Driver Details
| Employee: ______________________________ | Date: __________________ |
| Job Title: ______________________________ | Assessor: ______________________________ |
| Forklift Type: __________________________ | Forklift ID: __________________________ |
| Location: ______________________________ | |
1. Driver Authorisation
Confirm that the driver meets the organisation’s requirements to operate a forklift on site.
☐ Holds a current forklift certificate — certificate renewed every 3 years
☐ Has written approval from the employer to operate a forklift on this site
☐ Holds a current Class F endorsement
Comments:
2. Pre-Start Inspection
The driver demonstrates that they can correctly inspect the forklift before use.
☐ Tyres / wheels
☐ Forks and fork locking devices
☐ Mast, chains and lifting components
☐ Hydraulics / leaks
☐ Steering
☐ Brakes
☐ Seatbelt / restraint
☐ Warning devices / horn
☐ Lights / beacon / reverse alarm
☐ Battery / fuel system
☐ Guards and overhead protection
☐ Load capacity / data plate
☐ General condition
Can the driver identify defects that would require the forklift to be taken out of service?
☐ Yes ☐ No
Comments:
3. Forklift Knowledge
The driver can explain or demonstrate their understanding of:
☐ Forklift load capacity and load centre
☐ Forklift stability principles
☐ Safe travelling speed
☐ Visibility limitations
☐ Travelling with a load
☐ Fork height when travelling
☐ Safe operation on ramps and slopes
☐ Pedestrian interaction and exclusion areas
☐ Safe parking and isolation
☐ What to do if the forklift is unsafe
☐ What to do following an incident or near miss
Assessment / comments:
4. Practical Driving Assessment
Starting & General Operation
☐ Conducts appropriate pre-start check
☐ Uses seatbelt / restraint correctly
☐ Starts and stops smoothly
☐ Maintains appropriate speed
☐ Maintains good observation
☐ Uses horn / warning devices appropriately
☐ Maintains safe clearance from structures and equipment
Manoeuvring
☐ Controls steering appropriately
☐ Reverses safely
☐ Checks blind spots
☐ Uses mirrors where fitted
☐ Maintains awareness of pedestrians
☐ Negotiates corners safely
☐ Operates safely in confined areas
5. Load Handling
☐ Approaches load squarely
☐ Positions forks correctly
☐ Fully engages the load where appropriate
☐ Checks load stability
☐ Keeps load within rated capacity
☐ Lifts and lowers smoothly
☐ Travels with load at a safe height
☐ Places load safely and securely
☐ Does not exceed forklift or load limitations
6. Workplace-Specific Operation
The driver demonstrates competence in the actual workplace environment.
☐ Understands site traffic routes
☐ Understands pedestrian controls
☐ Understands designated forklift areas
☐ Understands loading / unloading areas
☐ Understands warehouse / racking requirements
☐ Understands site-specific hazards
☐ Can safely operate around other vehicles and equipment
☐ Understands relevant emergency procedures
Workplace-specific observations:
7. Emergency / Abnormal Situations
What would you do if the forklift develops a fault?
What would you do if a load becomes unstable?
What would you do if a pedestrian enters the operating area?
What would you do following a forklift incident?
8. Overall Competency & Actions
| Assessment Area | Competent | Further Training | Not Competent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-start inspection | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| Forklift knowledge | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| General driving | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| Manoeuvring | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| Load handling | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| Workplace operation | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
Overall Outcome
☐ Competent – authorised to operate
☐ Competent with conditions / additional supervision
☐ Further training required
☐ Not competent – do not operate until reassessed
Restrictions / additional controls:
Training or corrective actions required:
Reassessment date: ______________________________
9. Sign-Off
Assessor
Name: ______________________________________________
Signature: ___________________________________________
Date: _______________________________________________
Driver
I have participated in this competency review and understand any requirements or restrictions identified above.
Name: ______________________________________________
Signature: ___________________________________________
Date: _______________________________________________
This review should be completed by a person who is suitably experienced and competent to assess the operator. It should be used alongside the organisation’s forklift training, authorisation and site-specific requirements.
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